Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with pacemaker lead fracture and coiling seen on X-ray
By McManamey, A K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology·2024·Department Veterinary Clinical Services, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cardiovascular images: pacemaker-lead fracture and excessive coiling in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male Labrador Retriever was brought in because his pacemaker seemed to be malfunctioning, showing a dangerously low heart rate of 30-50 beats per minute. Tests revealed that the pacemaker lead was fractured and excessively coiled, which was causing the issue. The veterinary team turned off the old pacemaker and implanted a new epicardial pacing system. Although he recovered well from the surgery, the dog later developed worsening heart disease and was euthanized two years after the new pacemaker was placed.
People also search for: dog pacemaker malfunction · Labrador heart problems · dog heart rate low treatment
Abstract
A seven-year-old male castrated Labrador Retriever presented emergently due to concern for pacemaker malfunction five years after successful transvenous pacemaker implantation to treat partial atrial standstill. On presentation, the dog's pulse rate was 30-50 beats per minute. An electrocardiogram showed no spontaneous atrial activity or paced ventricular activity. Pacemaker interrogation revealed an increased impedance of 7557 ohms, indicating a lead malfunction. Thoracic radiographs confirmed the lead was fractured and had excessive coiling. The transvenous pacing system was turned off, left in place, and an epicardial pacing system was implanted the following day. The dog was discharged with no perioperative complications. The dog eventually required escalated medical therapy for progressive cardiac disease and was euthanized two years after implantation of the replacement pacemaker. This manuscript illustrates a complete lead fracture and excessive lead coiling, which has not previously been detailed in veterinary medicine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38432142/